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Trip Overview

THE GREAT NORTHEAST INDIA WILDLIFE TOUR16Nights/17Days

Description

This tour has been specially created for the die-hard wildlife enthusiast. An experience of a lifetime, where for 17 days, you’ll encounter the great diversity of wildlife that is found in the forests of North-Eastern India. Altogether, you will visit 5 National Parks and 2 Wildlife Sanctuaries, namely Kaziranga National Park, Manas National Park, Namdapha National Park, Nameri National Park, Dibru-Saikhowa National Park, Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary and the very offbeat Dihing-Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary.

From grassland to marshlands, islands and tropical rain-fed forests – such diversity in vegetation and land-type has helped Northeast India in becoming one of the most important biodiversity hotspots of the world. Teeming with a wide variety of species of mammals and almost about a thousand species of birds, this tour is sure to leave you thrilled with all the wildlife in action.

Manas National Park - Manas is a sanctuary that was once a hunting ground for kings. The park is located in the foothills of majestic Himalayan ranges. The area is flat and the river Manas flows gently at the west of this park. In December 1985, the UNESCO declared it as a World Heritage Site and in 1992, it was declared as a World Heritage site in danger by the UNESCO, due to the rampant poaching and terrorist activities that took place in the nineties. But a few years back, the wildlife has returned and Manas is now again seeing its glory days. The sanctuary has recorded 55 species of mammals, 380 species of birds, 50 of reptiles, and 3 species of amphibians. Out of these wildlife, 21 mammals are India’s Schedule I mammals and 31 of them are threatened. The park is well known for its rare and endangered wildlife which is not found anywhere else in the world like the Assam Roofed Turtle, Hispid Hare, Golden Langur and Pygmy Hog.

Nameri National Park - Nameri is the most scenic National Park of Assam and is located at the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas in the Sonitpur District of Assam. It is adjoined by the Pakhui Sanctuary of Arunachal Pradesh on the north-eastern side. This national park is one of the thickest as well as the most threatened reservoirs of flora and fauna in the world. Manas is known for having some of the world’s best plant functional type and complexity. The park experiences tropical monsoons causing an average annual rainfall of 3400 mm. The variety of fauna found in the park is also very rich, with over 30 species of mammals along with many varieties of tigers and elephants. One of the rare species of fauna found in this park includes the Capped Langur. The park also consists of over 400 species of rare birdlife

Kaziranga National Park - Kaziranga National Park, an UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located in the heart of Assam. It was declared a Reserve Forest in 1905, and since then, the park has set a commendable example in areas of conservation, and in a span of 100 years, has increased the population of Indian Rhinos from a mere 100 to more than 2000 today. The park hosts about two-thirds of the world's Great One-horned Rhinoceroses and also holds the record for protecting the highest density of tigers in the world. Kaziranga contains significant breeding populations of 35 mammalian species, of which 15 are considered threatened. Nine of the 14 primate species found in India occur in the park. In the air, Kaziranga is home to a variety of migratory birds, water birds, predators, scavengers, and game birds.

Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary - The Hoollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary is classified as "Assam plains alluvial semi-evergreen forests" with some wet evergreen forest patches. The sanctuary has a rich biodiversity and is home to the only apes in India, the western hoolock gibbon, as well as the only nocturnal primate found in the northeast Indian states, the Bengal slow loris. Other primates include the stump-tailed macaque, northern pig tailed macaque, eastern Assamese macaque, rhesus macaque, and capped langur. Also found at the sanctuary are Indian elephants, tigers, leopards, jungle ctas, wild boar, three types of civet, four types of squirrel, and several other species of mammals. At least 219 species of birsa and several species of snakes have been recorded from the park.

Dibru-Saikhowa National Park - Located in the flood plains of the Brahmaputra River, Dibru – Saikhowa National Park is one of the nineteen biodiversity hotspots of the world, which makes it even more popular among travelers who visit here all round the year. Dibru – Saikhowa National Park mainly consists of semi wet evergreen forests, cane brakes, grasslands and tropical moist deciduous forests along with some of the most endangered species of the world. Some of the extremely rare species found here include around 300 migratory and endangered avifauna. There are also several species of herbs, shrubs and plants with medicinal properties in the forest.

Namdapha National Park - Located at the eastern most tip of the Indian Sub-continent lies the biggest national park of India. The Namdapha National Park covering an area of 2000 sq. km is situated in the beautiful valley of the Noa-Dihing like a finger into Myanmar. This rugged terrain formed by tropical rain forests of incredible biological diversity boasts of more than a 1000 plant species, over 500 bird species and a diversity of animal species that is still climbing steeply. Namdapha National Park spans an altitude range from around 200m to over 4500m. This altitudinal diversity has given rise to many different forest types. The lower reaches are covered in extensive Tropical Wet Evergreen forests. At higher altitudes, one witnesses Sub-Tropical and Temperate Broad leaved forests, and Pine forests, into Alpine Meadows, and permanent Snow & Ice. One goes from the land of the Clouded Leopard to the abode of the Red Panda – and perhaps the elusive Snow Leopard. Namdapha is among the very few national parks in the country where one is allowed to camp and stay inside the forest premises. The forests are among one of the densest in the world, and to camp inside them gives the traveler a chance to live in absolute wildness. Greener Pastures recommends Namdapha as a really important wildlife site, and it is one of our prime objectives to showcase this amazing place to our travelers, and in-turn help in the preservation of this land.

Dihing-Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary - Dehing Patkai, the only rainforest in Assam, stretches for more than 575 km2 in the districts of Dibrugarh, Tinsukia and Sivasagar. It falls under the category of Assam valley Tropical wet Evergreen Forest. Being a completely virgin rainforest, this sanctuary is very rich in terms of biodiversity. It is an ideal habitat for non-human primates. Till date, 42 species of mammals, 40 species of reptiles and 30 species of butterflies have been listed from here. The rainforest is a bird-watchers delight, known to harbor about 293 bird species, belonging to 174 genera and 51 families. The majority are residents (63.7%), some are winter visitors (23.1% ), and very few are summer visitors (2.5%). The birds of Dehing Patkai Rain forest thrive in the diversity of microhabitats in the predominantly evergreen forest such as dense evergreen forest, rivers & streams, evergreen forest edge, swamps, semi-open evergreen forest that includes the logged areas where openings are present, agriculture (cultivations, fallows and tea gardens) along the edge and habitations on evergreen forest edge. Orchids are literally the jewels of this forest. They lend a beauty and charm of its own to the landscape due to their bewildering variety of flowers, many showy and colorful and exquisitely beautiful and fragrant.

Highlights

- Jeep safaris in Manas National Park that will take you till the wild foothills of Bhutan.

- Learn about tea growing and production, while you stay in a resort located midst green landscapes filled with tea gardens.

- Nature Walk in Nameri National Park that will bring you up-close to thrilling wildlife and amazing birdlife. Imagine seeing a tiger while you are on foot! But don’t worry, the chances are very less and you’ll have a ranger with a gun as an escort always.

- Jeep Safaris and an Elephant Safari in the rich grasslands and forests of Kaziranga National Park a world heritage site, and famous throughout the world for its wildlife.

- Jeep Safari in the offbeat Hoolongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary, home to an incredible diversity of eight species of primates, including India’s only ape – the Hoolock Gibbons.

- A boat ride over the mighty Brahmaputra River that will take you to the island of Dibru-Saikhowa National Park; known throughout the world for its unique vegetation and biodiversity.

- 2 days of trekking in Namdapha National Park, India’s secret and mightiest rainforest, and the biggest National Park of India - Home to a diversity of flora and fauna that will leave you speechless. And unarguably, one of the best hiking experience India has to offer.

- Jeep Safaris in the very offbeat and least explored Dihing-Patkai Wildife Sanctuay -large patch of evergreen forests that is still surviving in Assam – and home to incredible biodiversity. An astonishing 7 species of wild cats has been recorded in this nature reserve.

- Visit the tribal villages of the Tai-Phake Tribe and learn about their unique and fascinating way of life.

- Visit Dibrugarh Town - a quiet little less-touristy town, located besides the Brahmaputra River in eastern Assam.

Tour Availability

Since the summers in Northeast come heavy on the wildlife because of the heavy rain, this tour is available during winters from the month of November to April.

Minimum persons required – 2

Itinerary

Itinerary

Day 1

After arrival at Guwahati, drive to Manas National Park (3 hours), located at the foothills of Bhutan. Overnight will be at a comfortable 3 star jungle lodge.

Day 2

After breakfast, go for a short tour to the tea gardens to learn about tea production. Go for a short walk to explore the ethnic villages that surround the national park. After lunch, embark on a long 4 hour wildlife safari into the interior and core area of Manas National Park and Tiger Reserve. Witness the amazing diversity of Himalayan wildlife. After the sun sets, safari will turn into a night safari with flood lights mounted to spot the active wildlife that occurs in the darkness. Return to resort late in the evening.

Day 3

Go for an early morning 3 hour jeep safari. Later, after breakfast, leave for Nameri National Park (6 hours). Overnight will be at a delightful jungle cottage.

Day 4

Go for an early morning nature walk into the wildlife reserve – an experience that is sure to leave you thrilled. Witness the amazing birdlife diversity of Nameri, and if lucky, you might even catch glimpses of large mammals such as elephant, tigers, leopards, deers etc. Rest of the day will be free for bird-watching around the cottages. Bonfires will be lit in the evening.

Day 5

After breakfast, leave for the world famous Kaziranga National Park (3 hours) – home to the largest population of Asiatic Rhinos to be found in the world. Your stay will be in comfortable jungle lodges. Go for a small elephant safari in the afternoon to the central range of the wildlife reserve. Evening will be free at leisure.

Day 6

After an early breakfast, go for a thrilling jeep safari inside central range of Kaziranga. The numerous animals and birds of the great grasslands of Kaziranga are sure to leave any nature lover in a delightful mood. See herds of Rhinos, Deers, Otters, Wild Bovid. Catch the elusive tiger in action, or a giant wild elephant chasing away intruders. Afternoon, go for another wildlife safari to the western range of the national park. Evening will be free at leisure.

Day 7

After breakfast, go for a day trip to Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary, an unique habitat for wildlife where 8 species of primates exist, along with many delightful birds. Return to Kaziranga by evening.

Day 8

Go for a morning jeep safari to western range of Kaziranga National Park. Later, after breakfast, leave for Dibru-Saikhowa National Park (6 hours). Overnight will be at a 3 star resort.

Day 9

Today, you will go for a wildlife tour of Dibru-Saikhowa, unique habitat for wildlife that is an island in the middle of the mighty Brahmaputra River. Witness the birdlife that the national park is world famous for, with a list of many endangered and near extinct species. Packed lunch will be served while in the nature reserve. Return to resort by evening.

Day 10

Leave for Miao (6 hours), located near to the mighty rainforest of Namdapha National Park. Overnight will be at a budget guest house with basic amenities.

Day 11

Trek from Deban to Hornbill Camp (12 km, mildly strenuous), located inside the rainforest. Namdapha National Park, other than being India’s largest national park, is home to many endangered and exotic species of mammals, and to more than 500 species of birds, making it one of the few true havens for wildlife in the whole world. Rest of the day will be free for bird-watching. Overnight will be in tents.

Day 12

Spend the day exploring the rainforests near Hornbill along with an expert guide – a wildlife experience of a lifetime. Visit Bulbulia Campsite where natural springs exist. Campfires will be lit in the night.

Day 13

Trek from Hornbill back to Deban. After lunch, visit the nearby tribal villages to learn about their existence alongside nature. Overnight will be at clean and comfortable Deban guest house.

Day 14

Drive from Deban to Tipam (7 hours) which is located near to the very offbeat and very unexplored Dihing-Patkai Wildlife Reserve. Overnight will be at tribal cottages which is run by a community of Tai-Phake Tribe, who are Burmese in their origins. Enjoy their delicious ethnic food.

Day 15

Today, you will go for two jeep safaris that will take you inside the forest reserve. Along with a few mammals, the reserve is home to many exotic birds and flora. Rest of the spend interacting with the people of the Tai-Phake Tribe. Learn about their unique culture and way of life.

Day 16

After a leisurely breakfast, leave for Dibrugarh (4 hours). Overnight will be at a 3 star hotel. Rest of the day will be free to explore Dibrugarh town on your own and just relax. The town with all the amenities will provide you a refreshing feel.

Day 17

Drive to Dibrugarh Airport for a flight back home. Tour Ends.

Accommodations

Accommodations

* Accommodations can be changed on request and are subject to availability at the time of booking.

Price & Booking

Price & Booking Information

The tours listed in this website are our own well-researched itineraries that come with a great degree of flexibility and customization. Each tour is therefore individually costed around your requirements and budget.

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Testimonial

Coming to a very less known place like Assam, we initially had doubts regarding what to expect. But the lads at Greener Pastures really made a difference. The accommodations and the services provided were superb.